Remembering 766 - Cook's Dominance of the Australian Team
Sir Alastair's record-breaking 766 from an English player on an Ashes tour was only surpassed by cricket legend Wally Hammond
The Queensland capital isn't a location providing England some much-needed hope for the Ashes
After defeat by the Australian side at the series start, England need to regroup ahead of visiting Brisbane's Gabba, a stadium where victory has eluded England for over thirty years
Men wearing three lions have frequently been outmatched opponents in Brisbane
The Inspirational Success
Within recent memory of dashed English dreams, aspirations and players lies an inspirational story achieved by a shining knight
Today commemorates 15 years since the legendary Cook dominated in Brisbane with a career-defining 235 not out, saving the first Test from the 2010-11 series and setting England on course to their only Ashes series win in Australia during recent memory
Unforgettable Series
It commenced of Cook's triumphant circumnavigation of Australia; three centuries and 766 runs
Wally Hammond remains the sole English player who has made more runs in a series on Australian soil
The English triumphed 3-1, with every win by an innings
England hasn't achieved a Test victory there since that memorable series
Looking Back
"One tends to forget the tough times, the tension and worry that went into that," Cook remembers
"I look back with pride. I made an important impact during a campaign where the English secured a 3-1 victory in Australia where each victory came through innings wins"
The Road to Greatness
His journey toward Australian glory commenced well before following that year's Ashes on home soil
Despite English victory, Cook averaged less than 25 with just one score above 50
He sought improvement
"Cricket is a team game, individual contribution does make you feel that you must contribute adequately," he explains
Skill Development
Just 48 hours following the celebrations, he returned practicing numerous of balls in the nets with Graham Gooch
Early outcomes were encouraging
He scored three hundred-run innings on the 2009-10 winter tours against South African and Bangladeshi teams
Crucial Turning Points
After coming back to British conditions for the 2010 summer, the left-hander performed poorly
During eight batting opportunities facing these opponents, his top innings reached only 29
Without runs after day two in the third match against Pakistan at The Oval, the batsman felt certain it might be his concluding international appearance ahead of potential omission
"I was sitting in the hospitality area, trying to find the resolution through drinking," he admits
The Turning Point
Cook's 110 ensured his position for the Australian tour
Preparation continued through successful warm-ups of their warm-up games in Australia
Come the first Test at the Gabba, they faced a Siddle hat-trick
Historic Partnership
Just before the third day's close, both batsmen began England's second batting effort with a deficit of 221 runs
The score stood at 19-0 when play concluded and proceeded with an exhibition remembered in Ashes history
"I don't remember any instructions, our conversations," recalls Cook
The left-handers added 188 together
The 235 without dismissal was the highest score by an Englishman on Australian soil since the 1930s
Complete Control
The English took advantage of an incredible start in the second match in Adelaide
After Anderson also dismissed the Australian batsman, Australia were 2-3 and couldn't recover
Cook followed up his Brisbane success with 148 during a memorable Test for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the opposition bowlers
Ultimate Victory
Victory was possible the Ashes in Perth, but Mitchell Johnson to foreshadow the havoc that would come later
What followed was perhaps England's single greatest day of Ashes cricket on Australian soil
In Melbourne, the enormous ground of Australian cricket, on the holiday, the hosts collapsed to 98 all out
"For ideal Boxing Days, that defined it. There was disbelief at the end of the day," recalls Cook
Ultimate Success
Driven by determination to claim victory, Cook excelled once more at the Sydney Cricket Ground
His score of 189 contributed to England's 644, their highest total on Australian soil
The debate didn't concern if victory would come the match and the Ashes, but when
"The feeling was unbelievable," Cook remembers
"After Tremlett dismissed the last player to win the match, it was a moment of absolute joy"
Legacy and Recognition
He earned series honors
The following seven seasons in his international career included further accomplishments
Following his international retirement, Cook was knighted for services to cricket
"{I couldn't have played any better|